DPM Zahid has ‘soft spot’ for people of Belaga, Sarawak

Zahid (front row, centre), Wilson (front, right), and Liwan (front, left) visiting the Punan Ba solar hybrid project site in Belaga on July 1, 2024. Photo from Sarawak Public Communcations Unit.

By Ling Hui

BELAGA, July 1: Deputy Prime Minister Dato Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has a soft spot for the people of Belaga, says Sarawak Deputy Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Liwan Lagang.

Recollecting the express boat tragedy on May 28, 2013 in Belaga, Liwan said Zahid Hamidi was one of the federal ministers who visited the tragedy site.

Following that, Liwan said, Zahid paved the way for access roads in Belaga to be built under the Jiwa Murni project, which was greatly appreciated by local residents.

“This morning, he came again, not to Kuching or Sibu, but far into the interior here in Punan Ba. Here he is, so it proves that the ‘soft spot’ is still there,” said Liwan.

Parents in Punan Ba send their children to school using a hanging bridge daily. Photo from Sarawak Public Communications Unit.

Meanwhile, federal Deputy Minister of Digital Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong urged Zahid to consider upgrading a hanging bridge in Punan Ba.

Wilson, who is also Hulu Rajang MP, said parents use the hanging bridge daily to send their children to school and back.

“Yesterday, I brought my district officer there, and he was so scared (to walk across the hanging bridge) he almost fell.

“So, I urge that a proper bridge be built for the residents to cross the river. Parents can send their children to school, and locals can send goods via the bridge.

“The project is not too expensive. It’s only RM15 million,” he said during the launching of the Punan Ba solar hybrid project here today.

Also present at the event were Senator Michael Mujah Lihan, Kapit Resident Galong Luang, Temenggong Ahang Sirek, and Kampung Punan Ba village head Brian Mering. — DayakDaily